Popular Summer Songs / Summer Music Ranking [2026]

That gentle girlsupittsu57rank/position

Spitz / That Gentle Girl

It’s a song by Spitz that was used as the theme for NHK’s morning drama series “Natsuzora.” Set against the vast nature of Hokkaido, it’s notable for its positive message and warm lyrics.

Released in June 2019, it topped many music charts.

It’s curious—there aren’t any explicitly summery words in the lyrics, yet when you close your eyes, a summer blue sky comes to mind.

That’s Spitz for you! It’s the kind of song that makes you want to see someone and be gentle.

Perfect for a drive or a relaxing time by the sea, and every listen makes your heart feel lighter.

Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY58rank/position

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A top-tier summer tune from PUFFY, produced by Tamio Okuda with lyrics by Yosui Inoue—both leading creators in Japan’s music scene.

Released in April 1997, the track hit No.

1 on the Oricon charts and became a million-seller with total sales exceeding 1.1 million copies.

It was also widely known as the song for Kirin Beverage’s “Tennen Sodachi” commercial.

Inoue’s lyrics paint a humorous, slightly surreal world set on a summer shoreline—utterly distinctive.

It’s a bona fide miracle of a song, perfectly fusing PUFFY’s signature laid-back vocals with a bright pop sound.

Put this on while driving along the coast, and it feels like the best summer is about to begin.

The End of Summeraibii karaa59rank/position

IVY COLOR [End of Summer] Music Video

Among the songs by the piano rock band Ivy to Color, several are themed around the seasons, but when it comes to summer, this is the one.

It portrays a couple who grow closer and closer beneath the fireworks of a summer festival.

While it has the driving energy characteristic of a rock band, the piano sound adds a dramatic touch to the track.

With fireworks—an iconic symbol of summer—and a sweet, heartwarming romance that tickles the heart, it’s a summer song especially recommended for younger listeners.

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Hane Keisuke

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secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE60rank/position

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ ZONE (Full)

Despite making their major-label debut with the catchy tagline “Bandle,” a fusion of band and idol, ZONE is now revered as a legend by many girl bands.

This is the third major single by the rock band ZONE.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama Kids War 3: Don’t Mess With Me, and it became a turning point for the band, as it marked the first time ZONE performed live instruments rather than using them merely as props.

Its bittersweet story, depicting childhood memories everyone shares, resonates deeply alongside its catchy melody.

It remains a quintessential summer anthem in J-pop history, covered by numerous girl bands to this day.

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Hoshino Takashi

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ultra soulB’z61rank/position

B’z / ultra soul

With its energetic music and powerful message, this B’z classic adds a refreshing spark to your morning wake-up.

Released in March 2001, the song portrays the drive to challenge one’s limits and pursue dreams—making it a perfect power tune to start the day.

It also drew attention as the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka.

Tak Matsumoto’s razor-sharp guitar work and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend brilliantly to express deep themes of self-realization and growth.

Highly recommended for those who want to kick off the day with vigor or need an anthem that pushes them to confront their limits.

Summer HornsInagaki Junichi62rank/position

Junichi Inagaki “Summer Claxon”

A bittersweet classic that vividly brings back summer memories.

Released in July 1983 as the fifth single, it was also used in a Fujifilm commercial.

Junichi Inagaki’s rich vocals resonate deeply.

Many listeners likely remember the catchy chorus.

With lyrics that nostalgically reflect on lost summer memories and the end of a romance, it explores universal themes anyone can relate to.

Recommended for those who want to bask in memories of their younger days.

Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS63rank/position

RADWIMPS – Ms. September [Official Live Video from “RADWIMPS Outdoor LIVE 2013 ‘Aoi to Mememe’”]

Even though August is over, it’s still sweltering these days, and there are summer songs that fit perfectly in September, too.

“September-san,” included on RADWIMPS’s 2006 album RADWIMPS 3: The One We Forgot to Bring to the Deserted Island, is one such track.

It’s said to be an important song for the band, apparently named in connection with September 3, the date of their first-ever solo concert.

It’s a summer song whose characteristically RADWIMPS emotional, bittersweet sound really resonates with the heart.

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Hamada Takuya

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